XLT: How Patriots are Slashing the Nation's Defensive Capability

Foreign analysts looking at the growth of military budgets are concerned about the "Russian bear" for no good reason. No, its claws are not extending out, it's not snarling and showing its menacing teeth. Yea, it might growl a little. But its teeth and claws have been cut off - and not by external, malicious enemies, but by an internal bone infection.

SevMash needed welders and assembly workers. It would seem you could turn to the State Labor Service and invite specialists from across the nation. Or even prepare your own or get them from your competitors. But, no - SevMash, right before the New Year, on December 31, announces a competitive bidding process for "provision of services to supply personnel." Additionally, this was not an auction, but rather the purchase from a single-source provider.